Physically, it has such an influence on our freedom to move and our capabilities to do every day tasks.
On the other hand, bad posture can bring on a whole set of problems that seem at unrelated at first, but can cause long lasting issues.

Over the last few years, I found that I had chronic jaw pain (TMJ) that my posture had a part in. I was told that in order to take some of the pressure and strain off my jaw, my posture needed correcting regularly. It’s hard work sometimes remembering to sit up straight, to lift your head and stay in that position! But it’s needed to bring healing.

In our body, everything is connected. We are so intricately designed that when one thing goes wrong there can be a series of flow on effects.

As people of influence, leading worship from our instruments and with our voices, we not only have to be aware of our physical posture to get the best sound and to have longevity to serve, but also the posture of our heart.

We are so inclined to let our heart posture go and revert to the flesh. The part of us that would rather act out of our humanness rather than in God’s grace can easily take over.

What is a posture of Humility? Let’s first define what humility isn’t.

Humility is not about thinking lowly or less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
It isn’t being a walk over. It is not weak.

What is humility?

Humility is strength under control. It is a quiet confidence, a security in who you are.
It is putting others’ needs ahead of your own. It is championing other people rather than taking all the credit. It takes joy in others’ success.

As people serving in the Creative team, our heart’s posture towards each other is so important for a healthy culture.

Col 3:12-14“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

Sometimes we might catch ourselves feeling the right to be less than gracious, wanting the attention, recognition, to be ‘right’. Our gut reaction can be screaming “Unfair!” but I truly believe the way in which we handle these things is what brings life to us and to others. How do you choose to posture your heart when this happens?

The very fact that Jesus, King of Kings, entered this earth wrapped in humanity, shows us from the start that God displayed humility. Jesus knew who He was even when He was a boy speaking in the temple. He didn’t go parading around like the Pharisees. There was a confidence as He grew into His final 3 years of ministry, leading to His death on the cross.

Our best model for humility is Jesus.

Phil 3:6-11You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

My prayer is that we would work these into our lives so we can truly live in the freedom we have been given and were designed to live in.

Love you all,
Elissa

Elissa Parsons is the Worship & Creative Arts Pastor at South West Christian Church.